Last time we learnt that our view of God colours how we relate to Him and know Him to be our Father, and we also looked at the WHY behind what we do what we do for God, and checking in that they aren’t just empty rituals just for show?
Today let’s take this one step further.
How much of what we do for the Lord or in His name are empty rituals just for show?
Maybe say a prayer like “Father I ask that You reveal to me everything I do for you that is for show, or just empty rituals? (Write down what He shows you ) remember TRANSPARENCY AND BEING VULNERABLE is key!
Again take what the Lord has revealed to you and now ask Him with the quantity of what I do, is it of impact for the Kingdom? Once again write what He says down )
“Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun. Then I turned my thoughts to consider wisdom, and also madness and folly. … Then I thought in my heart, “The fate of the fool will overtake me also”. Ecclesiastes 2 (By the way Chapter 1 gives more depth when you have some time read it)
You see a true relationship is evaluated on one thing LOVE and one of the greatest ways you can show LOVE to God is not by doing empty rituals that are just for show, BUT instead choose to simply listen, for He wants you to listen to Him. There are many ways we can listen but only one way is what He wants. He wants you Plain listening, not staging a lavish religious production.
This one thing LISTENING has been a major breakthrough point in my relationship with God and with people I meet, counsel or minister too
How often have you been with a friend, family member, work colleague or someone, and known that what you’re saying or talking about, has not been heard by them? They are distracted by their phone, or just somewhere else in their thoughts. How does this make you feel? And what do you do with that feeling?
Now take how you feel with not being listened to, having full attention given to you, hmm could be how the Lord feels when He is trying to talk to you? Or when He is trying to get your full, undivided attention. And what about when you are with others, how do they feel if you are not listening to them?
The Lord just dropped this through into my heart, there’s a BIG DIFFERENCE between listening and hearing. The first – LISTENING can be done outside of relationship as there is no real connection just an answer or a production yet the second – HEARING takes action in engaging and connection.
Did you know for us to be effective in our role has a Son or Daughter of God we need to be able to be a HEARER OF HIM AND OTHERS around us? This a foundational for relationships. I make a point of putting my phone on silent and 100% connecting when I am with people and with God. Do you do the same? And are you? Selah there.
Let’s keep going Not doing what God tells you is far worse than fooling around in the occult. This a quite a hard portion of scripture to receive, but it is true, so why?
For if the Lord has given you a task, challenge or a direction you are not part of the solution of whatever it is happening. If you decide not to do it, then it will affect you and all those around you. As the solution to the problem is contained in the words He gave you, remember this verse Isaiah 55:11 (NIV
“So is my word that goes out from My mouth: It will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it”.
So if the Lord has asked you to do something then remember that He has also provided for everything needed for that task (whatever it is) to be accomplished. Yet if you don’t do the task, it might be what the Lord’s been working on from the beginning of time, and what happens if it doesn’t get accomplished? We know that being Sons and Daughters of God is incredible and it also comes with a cost which lays in responsibility.
The verse again: “Not doing what God tells you is far worse than fooling around in the occult”. So why is not doing what the Lord tells you far worse than fooling around in the occult? Because the person fooling around in the occult is deceived, is being led by a lie and the liar. They are not hearing God, but the enemy.
Next time we will pick up an other verse that expands on this well and part 3, for now it’s
Challenge time: Grab your journal and be with the Lord record all He says.
1. Lord am I a good listener to You and others?
2. Lord what would help me be a better listener of You and others?
3. Lord am I a good hearer of You and others?
4. Lord what needs to go, be removed, so I can clearly hear You and others in my life?
5. Choice time, do you want to be a better listener to God and others? If so say a simple prayer declaring this and asking God for help to walk this out.
6. Choice time, do you want to be hearing God and others clearly in your life? If so say a simple prayer declaring and asking for help to walk in this.
7. Worship Time and Give Thanks for He is worthy of all Praise and Glory.
Let’s Pray
Father, thank You that for all tasks You have given us, You have already provided everything needed to accomplish those tasks. Help us today to be quick to LISTEN and HEAR You, Your heart, Your way and Your will, and also to be quick to LISTEN and HEAR the hearts and mind of those around us. We ask in Jesus name, be glorified as we obey You. Amen.
Craig Patten
Itinerate Pastor / Prophet.
Encounter Ministries
